Funke to run for state Senate

Former television broadcaster Richard Funke on Wednesday announced his candidacy for the 55th District seat in the state Senate.

Funke, a Republican, will challenge incumbent Sen. Ted O’Brien, a Democrat who defeated Sean Hanna in the 2012 elections.

Funke retired as a news anchor at WHEC-TV 10 in Rochester in December 2012 after 31 years at the station and more than 40 years in broadcasting. He was a longtime sports director at WHEC before moving to news.

He was elected to the New York State Broadcasters Hall of Fame in November 2012.

“Announcing candidacy for state Senate today and battling the weather department for airtime,” Funke said on his Twitter account Wednesday morning. “Some things never change.”

O’Brien was a Monroe County legislator from 2004 to 2012 before unseating Hanna.

The 55th District includes eastern portions of Monroe County and western portions of Ontario County.

“In my first term in office, I've delivered tax relief to middle-class families and small businesses, secured investments to create jobs in our community, and fought to clean up Albany and give New Yorkers the government they deserve,” O’Brien said in a statement responding to Funke’s announcement.

“I'm proud of my record and am confident that the hardworking men and women of Monroe and Ontario counties will re-elect me this fall.”